In 2023, the auto industry in the United States sold approximately 15.5 million light vehicle units. This figure includes retail sales of about 3.12 million passenger cars and just under 12.4 million light trucks.
Lower fuel consumption
There are many kinds of light vehicles available in the United States. Light-duty vehicles are popular for their utility and improved fuel economy, making them an ideal choice for savvy consumers. As of Model Year 2021, the light vehicle manufacturer with the best overall miles per gallon was Subaru with one gallon of gas allowing for 28.8 miles on the road.
Higher brand satisfaction
When asked about light vehicle satisfaction, consumers in the United States were most satisfied with Toyota, Lexus, Tesla, and Cadillac models. Another survey conducted in 2018 and quizzing respondents on their stance regarding the leading car brands indicated that Lexus was among the most dependable brands based on the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles.
Light vehicle retail sales in the United States from 1976 to 2023
(in 1,000 units)
Characteristic
Light vehicle sales in thousands
2023
15,502.5
2022
13,754.3
2021
14,946.9
2020
14,471.8
2019
16,961.1
2018
17,224.9
2017
17,150.1
2016
17,477.3
2015
17,408
2014
16,452.2
2013
15,530.1
2012
14,433.2
2011
12,741.8
2010
11,554.8
2009
10,402.3
2008
13,194.8
2007
16,089
2006
16,504.1
2005
16,948.2
2004
16,866.9
2003
16,639.1
2002
16,816.2
2001
17,122.4
2000
17,349.7
1999
16,893.7
1998
15,543
1997
15,121.9
1996
15,097.1
1995
14,728.4
1994
15,044.9
1993
13,882.7
1992
12,857.3
1991
12,309.4
1990
13,859.7
1989
14,520.7
1988
15,443.2
1987
14,875.1
1986
16,044.3
1985
15,425.1
1984
14,205.1
1983
12,107.1
1982
10,357.3
1981
10,563.6
1980
11,197.5
1979
13,758.4
1978
14,981
1977
14,481.9
1976
12,969.8
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BEA. (February 2, 2024). Light vehicle retail sales in the United States from 1976 to 2023 (in 1,000 units) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 22, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/199983/us-vehicle-sales-since-1951/
BEA. "Light vehicle retail sales in the United States from 1976 to 2023 (in 1,000 units)." Chart. February 2, 2024. Statista. Accessed December 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/199983/us-vehicle-sales-since-1951/
BEA. (2024). Light vehicle retail sales in the United States from 1976 to 2023 (in 1,000 units). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/199983/us-vehicle-sales-since-1951/
BEA. "Light Vehicle Retail Sales in The United States from 1976 to 2023 (in 1,000 Units)." Statista, Statista Inc., 2 Feb 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/199983/us-vehicle-sales-since-1951/
BEA, Light vehicle retail sales in the United States from 1976 to 2023 (in 1,000 units) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/199983/us-vehicle-sales-since-1951/ (last visited December 22, 2024)
Light vehicle retail sales in the United States from 1976 to 2023 (in 1,000 units) [Graph], BEA, February 2, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/199983/us-vehicle-sales-since-1951/
